Marjorie was the family lawyer who had guided me through the boys’ guardianship.

She knew enough about my finances to ask whether I had immediate money for food and the next payment.

“I do,” I said.

“Then don’t promise Elliott anything today because you feel pressed to make the conversation easier.

First find out what he means.”

At 11:35, I stopped at the grocery store.

I counted the bills in my wallet twice, returned the larger cereal box, and chose the store brand.

The mortgage was $1,180 a month.